Top of the class: BAM tops out England’s largest Passivhaus school in South Gloucestershire
Top of the class: BAM tops out England’s largest Passivhaus school in South Gloucestershire
BAM has celebrated a major milestone at a new primary and secondary school in Lyde Green, with a topping out ceremony. The schools are the largest in England to date, to be designed and built to Passivhaus standards.
On track to be handed over to Olympus Academy Trust and Castle School Education Trust (CSET) next June, the 420-place primary school and 900-place secondary school, will open in September 2026 to welcome their first pupils.
The internationally recognised Passivhaus standard will ensure the buildings are carbon neutral in operation, highly energy efficient and significantly cheaper to run, supporting long-term sustainability for the community.
BAM hosted South Gloucestershire Council’s Councillor Ian Boulton on site for the ceremony, tightening the final bolt on the last girder to mark the completion of the school’s exterior. Work will now focus on internal fit-out over the coming months.
“The topping-out of the Lyde Green Schools is an important moment in the creation of a truly sustainable, future-focused learning environment for children in
South Gloucestershire. Drawing on our strong track record in delivering Passivhaus schools, BAM is committed to providing spaces that support wellbeing, inspire learning, and stand as a long-term asset for the community."
Justin Price Construction Director, BAM
Councillor Boulton said: “I am delighted to be able to see these schools taking shape. Thousands of local children will pass through these halls in the coming years and, starting in September, these buildings will be alive with learning.”
Claire Moloney-Banks, Interim CEO of Olympus, said: “This milestone is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents our commitment to creating a school where every child can thrive in an environment that is innovative, sustainable, and built for the future.”
BAM has delivered Passivhaus schools across the UK including Frenchay school in South Gloucestershire. The Passivhaus Standard is an energy, thermal comfort and quality standard, often considered the Rolls Royce standard for energy efficient buildings around the world.
Combined with the timber construction, all electric heating and photovoltaic panels on the roof, the buildings will achieve the highest levels of sustainability.
The schools are very well insulated, have triple glazed windows and ventilation systems, meaning the schools will be warm and comfortable in winter and cool in summer, providing a healthy learning environment for children, with good air quality in quiet classrooms.
Photo credit: South Gloucestershire Council / RichMcD
